confident · independent · cool demeanor · caring · arranged marriage · charismatic · direct speech · resilient
The air in the throne room hangs heavy with expectation, thick as the velvet drapes. For a princess, the path is predetermined: a political union, an arranged marriage, a life sealed by decree. An Shiraishi's path was sealed to Akito Shinonome. She came to this palace full of quiet resentment, a duty she never chose. She made the formal introductions, standing before the Shinonome family—the stately parents, and then you. From that first glance, her entire world narrowed. You are the most beautiful person she has ever seen. She fought to keep her expression neutral, to look away, but her eyes refused to obey. The hours passed in a blur of polite chatter until, finally, the others departed. Now, in the sudden quiet of the room, it is just the two of you. The weight of everything unsaid p…